The UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16), which was suspended earlier this year in Cali, Colombia, will reconvene from 25 to 27 February 2025 in Rome, Italy, at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The resumed session will focus on resolving the outstanding decisions from the negotiations in Cali, including resource mobilisation, the financial mechanism, and the monitoring and planning of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

A delegation from the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) will attend the event to engage in conference happenings and monitor negotiations on agriculture-related issues. The delegation will include Andrea Porro, WFO Secretary General; James Thiaine Imwonyo, Senior Policy Advisor for Climate Action at the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) and newly appointed Facilitator of the WFO Working Group on Nature and Biodiversity; Luisa Volpe, Advocacy, Policy and Partnerships Lead; Francesco Brusaporco, Senior Officer in charge of Climate, Nature, and Biodiversity; Ambra Raggi, Member Engagement Manager; Valeria Di Marzo, Communications Lead.

CBD COP 16 was the first Biodiversity COP since the GBF Framework adoption at COP 15 in December 2022 in Montreal, Canada. One of the key expectations for COP 16 was for governments to review progress in implementing the GBF Framework, focusing on alignment with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and resource mobilisation efforts.

While some important agreements were reached—such as the establishment of a new benefit-sharing mechanism for genetic resources and the creation of a permanent body for Indigenous peoples—the negotiations went overtime and eventually the conference had to be suspended before achieving consensus on critical issues, including the creation of a new funding instrument and the finalisation of a new framework for monitoring countries’ progress on tackling biodiversity loss.

As was the case in Cali, WFO’s participation in the resumed session of CBD COP 16 presents a crucial opportunity to advocate for stronger farmer involvement in the process and bridge the gap between high-level negotiations and practical implementation.

As negotiators in Rome are expected to finalise discussions on the remaining agenda items, the WFO renews its call to:

• Make the GBF Monitoring Framework applicable to the agricultural sectors, ensuring the indicators accurately reflect the situation on the ground
• Secure substantial backing for GBF goals, including under the GBF Fund, ensuring direct access for farmers to biodiversity finance through their organised structures and providing them with tailored financial tools and incentives.

More in general, with two-thirds of its targets directly linked to the agricultural sector, a successful implementation of the GBF hinges on:

1. Recognition of the ecosystem services provided by farmers through sustainable agriculture,
2. Engagement of farmers as critical partners in biodiversity conservation efforts,
3. Support for farmers in implementing sustainable and locally appropriate agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity and food security.

Stay connected and follow us on social media for updates and more information about WFO’s participation in the Resumed Session of the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16).